James Corden has been off to a very slow start, after replacing Craig Ferguson as host of The Late Late Show, but the multitalented comedian appears to be coming into his own after the viral success of this week's bit in which Corden and Stevie Wonder carpool around Los Angeles singing karaoke versions of the musician's classic hits "Superstition," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" and more.
When Corden was picked to take over the show earlier this year, it probably came as a surprise to most late night TV fans with the exception of a few Theater buffs that saw him on Broadway. He certainly wasn't a household name and still has some ways to go before that's the case, but if videos like this persist he can get there.
The video has racked up nearly 4.5 million views in two days, and for good reason - it's infectiously authentic. The two of them come off as instant friends as they sing, riding around the streets of Los Angeles.
Wonder starts by attempting to drive Corden around before he realizes he "forgot" his I.D. back home, before doing a spot-on impression of Corden's English accent. During the course of the ride, the two sing "Superstition," "Sir Duke," "Isn't She Lovely" and "Signed, Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours)."
However, the best part of the clip is when Corden asks Wonder to talk to his wife over the phone because she didn't believe he was actually going to meet and sing with the legendary artist. Corden gets a little teary eyed when Wonder sings to his wife for a beautifully moment.
The show has struggled to gain viral success as Newsweek points out, and some of that might be from all the changes happening in the late night scene. But with this clip, Corden is proving he has a place in the crowded lineup of late night hosts.
Watch below as Wonder proposes the two form a band called The Wonder Cats and Corden's failed attempt to get a harmonica lesson out of the experience. Wonder's 20 city tour "Songs In The Key Of Life Performance" will start September 30, for a full list of dates and ticket information visit his website.
